10+ Best Fantasy Books for 4-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect bedtime stories that will whisk your little ones away to lands of magic and adventure? Look no further than our curated selection of fantasy books for 4-year-olds! These tales are packed with whimsy and wonder, making them ideal for sparking young imaginations. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that are sure to become bedtime staples in your home.

Fun Fantasy Books for 4-Year-Olds

• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Max, dressed in a wolf costume, makes mischief and is sent to bed without supper. In his room, a mysterious wild forest and sea grow out of his imagination, and Max sails to the land of the Wild Things.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the power of imagination and emotions, helping children explore feelings of anger and joy through a fantastical adventure.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love letting their imaginations run wild and exploring new, fantastical worlds.

• The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A clever mouse walks through the forest, encountering several dangerous animals who all wish to eat him. To avoid this fate, the mouse invents an imaginary monster called the Gruffalo... but then comes face-to-face with the real creature!
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches strategic thinking and the power of wit, showing kids how intelligence can overcome brawn.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories with clever protagonists and a touch of humor.

• Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Rhyming
  • Synopsis: A kind witch invites several animals to join her on her broom, much to the frustration of her cat. When danger strikes, the animals come together to save the witch from a fearsome dragon.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes themes of friendship and teamwork in a fun and rhythmic way, making it a delightful read for young children.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy rhythmic stories and learning about the value of helping others and working together.

• Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Bedtime Story
  • Synopsis: In a great green room, a young rabbit says goodnight to all the familiar things around him. The poetic and gentle words combine with warm illustrations to soothe young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its rhythmic, comforting words make it an ideal bedtime story, helping children wind down for sleep with a sense of peace.
  • Perfect for: Little ones who need a calming read before bedtime, making their night's rest peaceful and happy.

• The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This classic tale follows the mischievous Peter Rabbit as he sneaks into Mr. McGregor's garden, despite his mother's warnings, leading to a series of adventures and troubles.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to the consequences of disobedience and the excitement of adventure, all wrapped up in beautiful illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories of adventure and mischief, with a moral lesson subtly woven in.

Educational Fantasy Books for 4-Year-Olds

• Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin, illustrated by Daniel Salmieri
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: This whimsical story explores the love dragons have for tacos and the chaos that ensues when they accidentally eat spicy salsa.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of sequences and consequences, cultural food awareness, humor appreciation
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging read that combines fantasy with a light-hearted look at food preferences and mishaps.
  • Perfect for: Young children who enjoy playful stories with fantastical creatures and a good dose of humor.

• Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Coming of Age
  • Synopsis: Kelp, who believes he is a narwhal, discovers he's actually a unicorn and sets out on a journey to discover where he truly belongs.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Identity exploration, emotional intelligence, understanding diversity
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses themes of belonging and identity in a gentle and enchanting way, perfect for young minds grappling with fitting in.
  • Perfect for: Kids exploring their own place in the world and enjoying stories of self-discovery and acceptance.

• The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This heartwarming tale follows Beekle, an imaginary friend who, unheard by children, sets off on an adventure to find his own human friend.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Friendship dynamics, creativity, emotional resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively reverses the concept of an imaginary friend, encouraging children to consider perspectives and the value of companionship.
  • Perfect for: Children who love imaginative play and are learning about the joys and challenges of making friends.

• The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: A story about a girl who believes she can't draw, but her teacher encourages her to make a mark and see where it takes her.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, self-esteem, art appreciation
  • Why we recommend this book: It inspires children to embrace their creativity and promotes confidence in their abilities, no matter how small they start.
  • Perfect for: Young artists and any child who needs a little encouragement to explore their creative side.

• The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Social Skills
  • Synopsis: A beautiful fish with shiny, multicolored scales learns about sharing and happiness after initially being too vain to make friends.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Sharing, social interactions, value of generosity
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines stunning illustrations with a meaningful story about the importance of sharing and kindness.
  • Perfect for: Children learning about friendship and the joy that comes from generosity and kindness.

Challenging Fantasy Books for 4-Year-Olds

• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Follows a young boy named Peter who explores his neighborhood after the first snowfall of the season, experiencing the wonder and possibilities of a snowy day.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative incorporates subtle themes of self-discovery and independence, which are advanced concepts for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the magic and tranquility of snow through a child's eyes, encouraging outdoor play and exploration.
  • Perfect for: Young children who delight in the wonders of winter and snowy adventures.

• The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Environmental
  • Synopsis: A tale about the consequences of unchecked industrialization, told through the plight of the Lorax, who speaks for the trees against the greedy Once-ler.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex environmental issues and ethical dilemmas, introducing children to the concept of conservation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes environmental awareness in a compelling and accessible way, making it a perfect tool to discuss the importance of taking care of our planet.
  • Perfect for: Eco-conscious families and young readers interested in nature and conservation.

• Stellaluna by Janell Cannon
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: After being separated from her mother, a young fruit bat named Stellaluna is adopted by a family of birds, with whom she learns about differences and acceptance.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores themes of identity and conformity through the lens of interspecies relationships, which can be profound and thought-provoking for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that teaches important lessons about accepting others' differences and finding one's own way.
  • Perfect for: Children who are learning about diversity and acceptance, as well as animal lovers.

• Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Sylvester, a donkey, finds a magic pebble that can make wishes come true. However, a wish made in panic transforms him into a rock, leading to unexpected challenges and a journey of hope for his family.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story introduces concepts of cause and effect, problem-solving, and emotional resilience in the face of adversity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fantasy with real-life emotions and situations, providing a platform for discussing problem-solving and the importance of careful thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy magical adventures with meaningful life lessons.

• The Napping House by Audrey Wood, illustrated by Don Wood
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Cumulative Tale
  • Synopsis: In this cumulative tale, a cozy bed hosting a sleeping granny is joined by increasingly numerous and unexpected companions, leading to a humorous climax.
  • Why this book is challenging: The repetitive and building nature of the story helps develop memory and predictive skills in young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a playful and rhythmic story that can be enjoyed repeatedly, each time encouraging more laughter and participation.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories with repetition, rhythm, and a good chuckle before bedtime.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Introducing your 4-year-old to the enchanting world of fantasy books is not just about reading the stories aloud. It's about engaging them in activities that not only enhance their understanding but also foster a deep love for reading. Below are some fun exercises designed to help your little one develop good reading habits while diving into the realms of fantasy.

• Create a Story Map
  • What it is: Draw a map that includes key locations from the story.
  • How it helps: Helps with understanding the setting and encourages spatial thinking.
  • Tips: Use bright colors and stickers to make the activity more engaging.

• Character Dress-Up
  • What it is: Dress up as favorite characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and empathy by imagining life as the character.
  • Tips: Keep a box of costumes and props for spontaneous dress-up sessions.

• Story Sequencing Cards
  • What it is: Create cards that depict scenes from the book and arrange them in order.
  • How it helps: Aids in understanding the sequence of events and story structure.
  • Tips: Use simple drawings or pictures from the book to make the cards.

• Magical Vocabulary Hat
  • What it is: Write down new and interesting words from the book on pieces of paper and pull them out of a hat.
  • How it helps: Builds vocabulary and helps with memory through random repetition.
  • Tips: Encourage the use of these new words in daily conversations.

• Read and Draw
  • What it is: Read a passage and then draw a scene inspired by it.
  • How it helps: Encourages visualization and artistic expression.
  • Tips: Display the drawings to show appreciation for the child's effort.

These activities are not just about reading; they're about creating a multi-sensory experience around the stories your child hears. By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you're setting the stage for a lifelong love of books and a vivid imagination. So, grab your fantasy book, pick an activity, and watch your little one's eyes light up with the magic of reading!